Man allegedly sold deer, raccoons to Ill. eateries

KNOX — A Chicago man sold deer, raccoons and other wildlife to markets and restaurants in that city’s Chinatown district for use in meals, Indiana conservation officers said Tuesday.

Alexander Moy, 47, was arrested Monday in Hamlet, about 80 miles from Chicago in northwestern Indiana, on a charge of illegally selling wildlife, Lt. Tom Torsell of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said.

The arrest followed a two-year investigation during which Moy bought wildlife, including turtles and fish, from undercover officers, Torsell said.

It was not clear whether any of the animals ever were served to people, he said.

“This is really the first stage of this investigation,” Torsell said.

Conservation officers served search warrants at Moy’s Starke County property, known as Kankakee Valley Fish Farm, for evidence related to illegal wildlife sales. They seized various equipment and animal species at the property.

The investigation began after conservation officers received complaints of Moy purchasing whitetail deer from members of the public. Over several months, officers were able to document numerous wildlife sales, Torsell said. Most involved venison and turtles, he said.

It was not clear whether Moy has an attorney. He has not appeared in court yet.

The charge of illegally selling wildlife carries penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.